DoD Announces New Director for Vietnam War Commemoration

Retired Army Maj. Gen. James T. Jackson started serving as the director for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Monday.

The previous director, retired Army Lt. Gen. Claude “Mick” Kicklighter retired after leading the Commemoration effort for nearly four years and almost 60 years of service to the United States, including 34 years in uniform.

“We are forever thankful for General Kicklighter and his tremendous work leading the Commemoration effort. His tenure saw the maturation of the Department’s plans for the Commemoration, the presentation of the Inaugural Event with the President and thousands of veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2012, and the foundational efforts that will resonate throughout this three-year main phase of the Commemoration,” said Michael Rhodes, the Director of Administration in the office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, Department of Defense.

Jackson, who retired from his distinguished 32-year Army career in 2003, has served as a senior advisor to the Commemoration since 2012. His command tours include the 1st Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry, the 3rd Ranger Battalion, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Military District of Washington.

“I am privileged to be entrusted with leading the noble mission of thanking and honoring our 7.2 million living Vietnam veterans and the families of the 9 million who served on behalf of the nation, and am humbled to follow Gen. Kicklighter,” said Jackson. “I am excited to build upon the significant foundation laid under his leadership, and I look forward to teaming with the talented men and women of the Commemoration as we continue this honorable endeavor.”

As authorized by Congress and on behalf of the Nation, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration does what should have been done 50 years ago: thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, just as America did for the veterans of World War II and Korea.